The Cap Fits

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Yesterday it became impossible in principle for an able-bodied person in England, Scotland and Wales to take home more in benefits than by working for a living. About time, too.

William Beveridge, godfather of the welfare state, would have been relieved. His goal was to help the needy, not to discourage work. Taxpayers will be relieved. They overwhelmingly approve of the principle behind the benefits cap of roughly £26,000 per year per couple. And Iain Duncan Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary, is to be applauded. He has grasped a nettle that too many of his predecessors left alone on